LATROBE, Pa. - The Gallaudet University women's volleyball team had to go the distance to begin the 2023 season here Friday night against Penn St.-Altoona. The Bison came out victorious, 3-2, with a thrilling five-set win; 25-12, 19-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-12.

Gallaidet (1-1) turned around and played a second match on Friday night but lost in straight sets to Westminster (Pa.) College; 19-25, 24-26, 21-25. 

Junior Cassidy Perry (Frederick, Md.) tallied a match-high 21 kills against Westminster to go with three blocks. Sophomore Citrine Lummer (Frederick, Md.) added 13 kills while junior middle hitter Anya Pothorski (Columbus, Ohio) knocked down seven attacks and made a match-high eight blocks (four solo). Sophomore transfer setter Ella Gamble (Cullowhee, N.C.) passed out 47 assists and three service aces. This was Gamble's debut in the buff and blue for Gallaudet. 

In the nightcap, Perry led the way with 10 kills and two block solos followed by Lummer's eight kills and Gamble's 26 assists and two aces.

This was the first time Gallaudet faced Westminster since 2010 at the Battlefield Classic hosted by Gettysburg College in the opening weekend. 

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Gallaudet will play two more matches in the Bearcat Challenge tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 2) with the first match against Franciscan slated for 11 a.m. The Bison face the host Saint Vincent at 1 p.m. to complete the opening weekend.